My impression of the Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland, California is that only sex could be more fun. You will rarely experience a playing landscape with such ups and downs. It opened in 1923 and is considered the "crown Jewel" or Oakland's recreational offerings.

The elevations reminded me of Wolf Creek in Mesquite, Nevada, but at Lake Chabot there was much more fairway to work with. The term "lake" does not apply. There are no water hazards on the course. Brandon Chapman, head professional, and his crew have done a great job keeping the greens and fairways in excellent condition, especially for a muni. You will notice patches of brown grass on many holes. Just consider those links grass, but shorter. It costs a lot of money to water a golf course. The course is green and well kept where it counts.

There are both nine hole and 18 hole layouts, and the cost to play them is very reasonable. They even allow fivesomes during weekdays. You will need to rent a cart unless you are in very good shape or are a mountain goat. There are very few fairways where you will find a near level lie. While number 18 is the signature hole, there are others that are more picturesque, like the three par number nine. You have to know where the green is to find it. 18 is a 673 yard six par, yes a six par, and the cart path has to zig zag to get you to the green. There is out of bounds on the left side. A 10+ score may not be out of the question.

The golf carts have governors that slow you down and speed you up, depending on the terrain. These carts are hybrids with generators that recharge when going up and down hills. They are good for three rounds before having to be services and recharged.

BRANDON CHAPMAN, HEAD PRO

PROSHOP HELPERS

I enjoyed having a conversation with Brandon Chapman about tournaments. I asked him his opinion regarding tournament planners for groups playing golf events at Lake Chabot. He would like to see groups well organized. The golf course has a tournament agreement and it is flexible to fit the needs of their clients. The main objective is to have a clear understanding of what specifically will be the responsibilities of both the course and the organization. Of course, with THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL FUND RAISING GOLF TOURNAMENT, both groups and golf courses will benefit.

Now CLICK HERE to enjoy your trip around the beautiful Lake Chabot Golf Course. The slide show to follow is a player's view beginning with the tee signs from the tee box to the green with some approaches and views back down the fairways and from some greens. You will even see some photos from the rough because that's where I often was. The road to the club house runs right through the course, so car tag is a possibility. O found this not to be a problem....very interesting.